Elimination of calcifications in 84% of cases

Establishing a medical rehabilitation protocol completely efficient and safe, concerning the patients with degenerative and inflammatory pathology of the shoulder with tendinous lesions idiopathic calcific disease.

Materials and Methods

There have been included into the study: - a group A of 32 patients in-patient or out-patient of the 4-th Medical Rehabilitation Departament on The National Rehabilitation Institute, 19 men and 13 women, with ages between 22 and 67 years old, with different types of tendinous lesions idiopathic calcific disease. Group A patients were treated using–ultrasounds, TENS, massage, physical therapy, an exercise program, local anesthetic or steroid injection, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and also with RSWT (BTL-5000 SWT).

Results

Statistical analysis of visual analogue scale (VAS), pain-free grip strength test scores, and Constant and Murley Scale (CMS) has shown, both after treatment and to the follow-up at 3 months, significant difference comparing study group versus control group. Calcifications disappeared completely in 84.3% (27 from 32 of the subjects in the treatment group and partially in 15,6% of subjects (5 from 32).

Conclusion

The RSWT is safe and effective and must be considered as possible therapy for the treatment of patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.